Former England midfielder Joe Cole believes set-pieces could play a decisive role in determining who lifts the World Cup trophy this summer, insisting teams that master the finer details from corners and free-kicks will gain a significant advantage.
With FIFA introducing stricter measures to reduce excessive physicality in the penalty area, dead-ball situations are once again under the spotlight ahead of the tournament in North America.
Speaking about the impact of the new refereeing approach, Cole suggested teams will need to adapt quickly.
“FIFA have come out and said that they’re going to be stringent, they’re going to be pulling up on things,” the former England international told the Press Association.
“And if FIFA returns to normal, set-pieces will still be important.
“But if FIFA don’t crack down on it and let it go and it be a free-for-all, then the team that masters the arts best will be in with a better chance.
“But it sounds like they’re going to be a little bit more strict on it, they’re always important, most set-pieces.”
The debate around physical battles at corners and free-kicks intensified during the Premier League season, with VAR often required to review multiple incidents inside the box.
Cole believes referees should take firmer action rather than relying heavily on video reviews.
“I think I’d like to see a ref just going, ‘I’ve seen you pull his shirt, mate, that’s a foul, let’s get on with it’,” he added.
“And then if he does it again, that’s a foul. Book him, let’s get on with it.
“Then all of a sudden you send someone off for pulling shirts and giving a penalty and we get back to it being very clear, if you hold someone’s shirt in the box, you are going to give away a penalty.
“For some of the time this year the referee could have picked one of five fouls to give, so you don’t need VAR for that, it’s clear as day. I hope we’re just refs, just taking control. But the players and the managers have to do their part.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel has faced scrutiny after leaving out several high-profile players from his World Cup squad, including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire.
However, Cole believes the German coach deserves trust and support as he shapes the squad around a specific tactical identity.
“We’ve had our furore about the squad, nobody would have picked the same 26 players, and everyone’s got an opinion,” he said.
“I think it’s just a case of let’s not keep talking about the players that are not there, let’s keep talking about the players that are there, and the players that are going to help us win, because we’ve got so many matchwinners.
“I think Thomas has got a style of play, and he’s picked a certain type of player who could fit that style.
“So we know how we’re going to play and we know we’ve got the players who can perform that role, and it’s just going to be how well they can execute the plan.
“And can we get our best players flying? I think we’re one of 12 teams that can win it, and things will have to happen.”
Despite the fierce competition expected at the tournament, Cole believes England have enough quality to challenge for football’s biggest prize.
The former midfielder feels success will ultimately depend on how effectively Tuchel’s squad executes its game plan and whether key players can deliver when it matters most.
For England, the journey begins with high expectations — and according to Cole, mastering the details, especially from set-pieces, could make all the difference.
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